Overstretched Experts & Competition Hinder Sustainability
Sustainability is a broad and complex field, spanning compliance, energy, architecture and beyond. Given its vast scope, it is nearly impossible for any single professional or organisation to be an expert in all areas.
Collaboration, therefore, is essential to drive progress and innovation. However, a recent social and environmental impact consultancy Skating Panda report suggests that sustainability professionals are over-convened and competition hampers effective collaboration.
The 2024 Skating Panda Collaboration Barometer highlights that competitive mindsets and resource concerns prevent successful partnerships, ultimately stalling meaningful progress in the sector.
Competitive mindsets hinder progress
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, highlights the issue, stating: "Competition is not the solution. You end up in a zero-sum game with a competition mindset, but everybody benefits from collaboration."
Despite recognising the benefits of collaboration, the report found that concerns around competition, regulatory compliance and a fear of scrutiny often hold organisations back. These barriers prevent shared learning, standardisation of sustainable practices and the ability to scale impactful initiatives.
Where sustainability collaborations fail
Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), highlights a key factor in failed collaborations: "Often, organisations come together with a common purpose and perhaps don't spend enough time really thinking about the infrastructure that supports that purpose. It really can be the difference between the success and failure of any collaborative initiative."
According to the Barometer, two major barriers prevent successful collaboration:
- Competitive concerns: Companies worry about antitrust regulations, scrutiny and potential conflicts of interest.
- Resource constraints: Many sustainability leaders feel they lack the time, personnel or financial resources to engage in partnerships meaningfully.
The report notes that many concerns stem from experiences with poorly managed collaborations, which can create additional work without tangible benefits.
The benefits of effective collaboration
Despite the challenges, the Barometer highlights that successful collaborations in sustainability can offer significant benefits:
- Saving time and money: Pooling resources and knowledge leads to more efficient processes.
- Generating scale and speed: Collective efforts can accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions.
- Sharing strengths: Different organisations bring unique expertise and insights.
- Standardising approaches: Collaborative initiatives can create industry-wide best practices and frameworks.
Keys to successful sustainability collaboration
Both Chris and Jane offer key strategies for fostering successful collaborations.
"Know why you're doing it and be ready to contribute actively. There are so many collaborations. You can be philosophically aligned with an initiative but might not have the capacity that year. Effective collaborations require both the will to be involved and the muscle."
Chris Turner suggests that organisations should take a broader, long-term approach: "Make room for the softer stuff. What are we trying to solve in the most meta context here? What better world are we all aiming for? What values do we all ascribe to? Work backwards from the legal point to see value created in new ways. That's where you unlock real innovation."
A framework for success
The 2024 Skating Panda Collaboration Barometer outlines three essential stages for a successful collaboration:
- Clarify: Define goals, roles and accountability structures from the outset.
- Convene: Engage trusted leaders and neutral convenors to maintain objectivity and focus.
- Communicate: Maintain transparent discussions and publicise progress to reinforce trust and engagement.
By prioritising these elements, sustainability professionals and organisations can navigate competitive tensions and resource constraints, leading to more effective and impactful collaborations.
Moving forward
While competition and over-convening remain challenges, strategic and well-structured collaborations offer a path forward for the sustainability sector.
By focusing on shared goals, clear communication and innovative approaches to collaboration, organisations can overcome existing barriers and drive meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.
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